California pet owners will face jail time or hefty fines beginning Jan. 1 if they fraudulently tell businesses that their fur babies are emotional support animals. A new, first-of-its-kind state law makes it a misdemeanor to misrepresent pets as service animals. The new law also requires tougher rules for sellers, trainers, and doctors. Lawmakers and animal organizations, including Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence, contend that the new rules target the growing online sale of fraudulent emotional support and service animal certificates. “By ending the practice of misinformation and fraud that has occurred with the sale of emotional support animals and service dogs, we can create a safer community for all,” bill co-sponsor Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) said in a release. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 468 into law in September. Emotional support animals are trained to help their owners manage anxiety and panic attacks or …